Ostiomeatal complex preservation: submucosal inferior meatal antrostomy for maxillary sinus pathologies

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Background:

• Endoscopic inferior meatal antrostomy (EIMA) is a recognized treatment for maxillary sinus pathologies.
• A novel technique, submucosal inferior meatal antrostomy (SIMA), is introduced, based on EIMA but designed to spare the ostiomeatal complex (OMC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the technique of SIMA for treating maxillary sinus pathologies.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of SIMA in preserving the OMC and inferior meatus mucosa.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records for patients who underwent SIMA.
• Data collection included patient demographics, symptoms, preoperative/postoperative endoscopic and CT findings, follow-up duration, and complications.

Main Results:

• Twenty-two maxillary sinuses in 20 patients were analyzed, with pathologies including dental implants, odontogenic sinusitis, cysts, polyps, and fungus balls.
• SIMA provided excellent surgical access and visualization, maintaining the integrity of the OMC and inferior meatus mucosa.
• Nineteen patients achieved complete cure with rapid recovery; no intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted.

Conclusions:

• SIMA offers enhanced access and visualization for non-OMC-dependent maxillary sinus pathologies.
• The technique effectively preserves the middle and inferior meatuses mucosa, indicating a favorable safety profile.